A controversial apartment complex in Providence was approved Thursday at the Planning Commission meeting.

Meridian at Providence Trail is to be located next to Maristone Senior Living on Providence Trail, which is behind Target. It is on 14.15 acres and is a mixed use of retail and residential. The developers promised over 5,000 square feet of retail plus a Police Substation on the property so officers would have an area to write reports or store equipment. That would be free for five years at no cost to the city.

The issue was voted down at the last meeting, but came back to the table because the Commissioners did not provide a legal reason that Meridian could not develop the property as they chose because it met all the subdivision regulations which are required by the City.

Commissioner Brian Abston was unhappy with many aspects of the project, and wanted the developers to provide extra money to the schools, police department, fire department and an impact fee.

After a lengthy discussion, Attorney Tom White got up to speak during citizen comments about the legality of the project.

“Despite personal feelings about it, if in fact it meets site plan approval, then legally you have to approve it,” said White.

White asked that the commission refer to City Attorney Gino Marchetti for confirmation of his position.